I did a quick mock-up of how I am planning to set up the boat console this winter.
The left side will include the important engine instruments, ignition, and switches for lesser-used electrical items since they will be partially blocked by the steering wheel. The center will house the Garmin GPSMap 546 GPS/fish finder unit, and the right side will contain fuel, trim, speed, volt, and EGT gauges. Below the right-side instrumentation will be electrical switches for more frequently used electrical circuits, such as bilge pump, running lights, blower, and battery relays.
The Garmin is a bracket mount unit, but I think I can figure out how to panel-mount it so that the angle is okay. I’m planning to exclude the existing fuse panel from the console and replace it with a marine-grade circuit breaker panel which will be installed behind the console (inside the cabin).
Hey Rich…looks like your loving your move to the Sunshine State. Like your blog. What did you use to make that console mockup?
Hey Rich…looks like your loving your move to the Sunshine State. Like your blog. What did you use to make that console mockup?
Hey Dan! Long time no-see! Hope you’re enjoying Ohio. Thanks for the compliment.
I used CS6 Photoshop and sourced images from the web for this. I placed each item on a different PS layer (scaled pretty close to actual dimensions) so I could play around with the placement.
Hey Dan! Long time no-see! Hope you’re enjoying Ohio. Thanks for the compliment.
I used CS6 Photoshop and sourced images from the web for this. I placed each item on a different PS layer (scaled pretty close to actual dimensions) so I could play around with the placement.
It’s also worth noting, I don’t plan to have that many switches on the real panel. I’ll probably only need half that many for the amount of accessories that I’ll have. I do plan to wire in blue floor lights and under the engine for the rare night journey. I also want to install a spotlight of some sort at the bow (probably automotive fog-lights).
It’s also worth noting, I don’t plan to have that many switches on the real panel. I’ll probably only need half that many for the amount of accessories that I’ll have. I do plan to wire in blue floor lights and under the engine for the rare night journey. I also want to install a spotlight of some sort at the bow (probably automotive fog-lights).